The Society is unique in accrediting and representing professional designers across the spectrum of design disciplines, including; Exhibition, Fashion, Graphic, Interactive Media, Interior, Product and Textile design. Within these categories are included a myriad of specialist design disciplines.

With members in 34 countries around the world, CSD offers a truly diverse and inclusive base of professional designers, each committed to operating to the highest professional standards in whichever field or country they practice.

The progression path within the Society is designed to meet the needs of designers at all points in their development, whilst acknowledging the entry and exit routes of a design career. Career Stage Development 1 connects with those engaged with design in schools and progresses through various educational, career and professional stages to Career Stage Development 8, which focuses attention on designers reaching the end of their career.

In order to develop a strong profession, a great deal of effort is afforded to integrating design provision, design use and design education. Not since 1986, when the Society attempted to integrate design business and clients in forming the DBA, has there been such a significant initiative as The Design Association.

The Design Association (DA) is funded purely from fees generated by participants and member companies engaged in the provision of design services. This allows DA not only to remain independent and objective in relation to the business of design but also inclusive of all stakeholders within the design sector, both nationally and internationally.

DA shares the same commitment to design professionalism as CSD and is therefore well placed to provide leadership in professionalising design business practice.